2006: A(nother) new arrival…

As Dan headed into the final year of his uni career, there was another, much more significant event around the corner. In April, the Hutchinson clan welcomed to the world their newest and cutest member, Dan and Melita’s firstborn child, their daughter Josie. Parenthood came naturally to the couple, which was good news as Josie wouldn’t be the only child for very long…

– Brant Webb and Todd Russell emerge from the mineshafts at Beaconsfield after being trapped for 14 days;

– Veteran journalist Richard Carleton dies from a heart attack during a press conference at the mine compound;

– The Socceroos advance to the second round of the World Cup finals, only to be denied entry to the Quarter Finals by a pathetic referee decision made after an Italian player disgraced himself by diving in the penalty box;

– Queensland end 3 years of misery by staging a typical, yet stirring, last minute comeback against a typically complacent NSW Blues. It would be another 8 years before the NSW side would lift the trophy again. And it would be much too soon;